By Khawaja Hamza

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, heading a delegation, held meetings in Islamabad to explore possibilities for the resumption of the Urumqi Process involving China, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban.

China hosted representatives of Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Urumqi in April and is now pushing for a second meeting under the process. Ambassador Yue’s latest visit is his second trip to Pakistan in less than five weeks.

During his visit, the Chinese envoy met Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq on Tuesday. The two sides discussed the evolving regional security situation and growing threats from terrorist groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).

Ambassador Sadiq described the meeting as a “constructive engagement.” In a post on X, he said the discussions focused on the growing threat posed by terrorist groups that continue to undermine regional peace and stability.

He added that Pakistan and China remain firmly committed to further strengthening security and counter-terrorism cooperation, improving coordination against terrorism in all its forms and working through diplomatic channels to promote regional peace, stability and security.

The Chinese special envoy had also visited Kabul last month following his meetings in Islamabad, where he held discussions with Afghan officials on regional developments and security-related matters.

China’s efforts to revive the Urumqi Process come amid heightened regional security concerns and ongoing diplomatic engagement among China, Pakistan and Afghanistan.